Tmc AquaHabitats questions

ryanwestcott12 · Apr 7, 2017

Hello
I'm just setting up a tmc 60 litre cube.I was wondering if I could get some help with a few questions?
I've used new sand and added my pre- mixed water,then brought it up to temperature and started the pump. I then added a frozen prawn as an ammonia source,I then added some rock that has been sitting around for about a year.
I was planning on cycling the tank for 3- 4 weeks.
So once a tank has been running for like 2-3 months will the sand and rock become live on its own? Or do I need to add some thing to the tank to help the process?
Any help would be much appreciated as I'm a novice with Marine.

Paullawr · Apr 7, 2017

Dead rock and sand will become live with bacteria.

If you want further diversity you need to add that. Ie isopods, copepods, mini brittle stars etc.

Otherwise will come in on corals etc.

Paullawr · Apr 7, 2017

If you want to aid the process and to be honest i swear by it. Prodibo and microbacter 7. Adds diversity as well as denitrifying bacteria.

ryanwestcott12 · Apr 7, 2017

Ok. I was thinking of adding copepods once it was cycled. I could try adding in some beneficial bacteria

Paullawr · Apr 7, 2017

Yeah i do recommend.

I did very similar. Added isopods.to begin with. They are the most amazing reef scavengers once settles and know no fish about. They are quick to pick up food you feed them. In fact the outcompete most inverts in speed.

Once.they had established over a few weeks added copepod's and mini stars. Kept tank super clean and fun to watch.